Regional leaders are set to approve £40 million in funding to progress detailed planning and development for Mass Transit and bus franchising, two of the West Yorkshire Mayor’s top transport priorities.
The investment will support the next phase of the Weaver Network – an integrated system connecting bus, tram, train, walking, and cycling routes – with the goal of breaking ground on the first tram route by 2028.
At the West Yorkshire Combined Authority meeting on 18 September, council leaders will review how the funding will:
- Advance technical and environmental assessments for phase one tram routes
- Develop the business case for government approval
- Prepare the scheme for entry into the Government’s Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP)
The Combined Authority is also progressing plans to introduce a fully-franchised, publicly-run bus network in three phases between April 2027 and October 2028.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:
“We are creating a transport system that works for everyone, making it easier for people across the region to access jobs, leisure and loved ones.
“The Weaver Network will deliver seamless and reliable connections – making sustainable travel the first choice in the region.
“By working together, we can build a greener, better-connected West Yorkshire that leaves no one behind.”
While franchising will apply to services within West Yorkshire, cross-border and special services—such as shuttle buses for concerts and sporting events – will operate under a permit system. A technical consultation on how these permits will work is expected to be approved at the meeting.
The report also outlines expected service levels for the first round of franchised routes, aiming to deliver more reliable, integrated, and community-focused transport.
The Mass Transit and bus franchising plans are central to West Yorkshire’s ambitions to cut emissions, boost connectivity, and support economic growth across the region.
Image credit: iStock
